Even Wayne Bennett's closest ally, Brisbane captain Darius Boyd, had had enough.
Boyd has revealed how he sought "certainty" from Broncos CEO Paul White, amid a month-long saga surrounding Bennett after Anthony Seibold was finally revealed as Brisbane coach on Monday.
Boyd is Bennett's biggest fan and in his 13-season NRL career has never been coached by anyone other than the seven-time premiership winner.
But it seems the former Test fullback's patience over his long-term mentor's on-again, off-again swap with Seibold finally wore thin.
"I think a few of the older boys took it (coaching controversy) in our stride and tried not to let it worry us but for a young group we really needed that certainty," Boyd said.
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"Whitey kept me in the loop the whole time.
"Every time I spoke to the playing group I just told them we had to keep it business as usual.
"(But) we wanted certainty and now we have it with Seibs. Now we can move forward."
Boyd reportedly led a senior group of players who told White that the Broncos must bring closure to the coaching swap controversy before their first full pre-season training session on Monday, so they could focus on 2019.
It is believed they grew frustrated after Bennett sensationally backflipped on Friday and announced he would remain at Brisbane in 2019 despite the Broncos and South Sydney thrashing out a swap deal with Seibold.
By Sunday afternoon, Bennett was sensationally sacked via phone message for breach of contract after it emerged the master coach had spoken to South Sydney players and organised a Rabbitohs pre-season camp.
Any doubts over Boyd's allegiances evaporated on Monday when the Broncos skipper ensured he sat with Seibold when the former South Sydney coach was officially unveiled in Brisbane colours at Red Hill.
"It is going to be different but business is business and I've had other coaches at the rep arena," Boyd said of playing under a coach other than Bennett.
"One of Seibs' qualities is that he gets along with his players really well.
"It (Bennett's sacking) is disappointing but it is a business. I learned that early on when I left Brisbane as a 21-year-old (for St George Illawarra) ... that you've got to do what is right for yourself and your family.
"The club has done what they think is best in bringing Seibs in. Wayne has left and I'll be staying."
Asked if 25-year Broncos coach Bennett had tarnished his legacy at the NRL club with his inglorious exit, Boyd said: "Not too sure.
"That is all about hearsay, what you think and opinions.
"We can't worry about Wayne now. We have to move on now and look forward to the new challenge with Seibs."
